How to Ride Metro

Getting Started

Enter a route number

Visit a bus stop near you

Visit your nearest bus stop and see what buses stop there. The route numbers are shown on the bus stop flag and in many instances the schedules are shown in a holder that is mounted to the pole, shelter or post. Check to see if the schedule times refer to your stop, or to a timepoint that may be nearby. After you get on, you can grab a timetable for your route.

When the bus arrives, look at the destination signs on the front and side. The sign will tell you the route number and where the bus is going. More than one bus route may serve an area, and not all routes operate at all times. Be sure to get on the correct bus!

Paying your fare

Starting on Sept. 29, 2012 you board and pay at the front door for every ride. This "pay on entry" system is also used on Sound Transit and Community Transit buses operating in King County.

The only exceptions are on Metro's RapidRide lines at stations with ORCA readers, ST's Link Light Rail and Sounder which allow boarding at all doors, and on morning Vashon Island service leaving the Fauntleroy ferry dock for downtown Seattle.

How to get off the bus

Riders are encouraged to exit through the rear door(s) of the bus. You may exit through the front door if you have a mobility device or stroller, need a little extra time, or if you need to unload a bicycle from the bike rack.

Pull the signal cord above the window about one block before your stop. If you are unfamiliar with the area, ask the driver to assist you. Most buses have automated 'next stop' displays and announcements, but if not, the driver will call out major stops, but not every stop. Wheelchair users in the securement area can also use the yellow pushbutton strip on the underside of the flip-up seats on newer buses. The bell will ring twice and an indicator will light on the dashboard to let the driver know you want off.

Night Stop

Because we want you to feel secure traveling at night, Metro offers you Night Stop. Available between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., Night Stop allows you to ask the driver to let you off at any point along your bus route, even though it may not be a Metro bus stop.

Just come to the front of the bus at least a block ahead of where you want to get off and request your stop. The driver will decide whether the stop you asked for can be made safely. Drivers can pick you up only at regular Metro bus stops.

Night Stop is not available in downtown Seattle between Battery Street and South Jackson Street, and the waterfront and Interstate 5.

For safety reasons, the wheel-chair lift will be deployed only at lift-approved bus stops along the route.